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The fusion of psychedelics and sports ignites a fiery debate, leaving leagues, players, and fans in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Delving into this enigmatic realm sparks a flurry of questions about the potential boons and pitfalls of blending psychedelics with the adrenaline-fueled world of sports.
Tracing back to the annals of history, we uncover a tapestry woven with the threads of psychedelics and sports. Ancient civilizations wielded these mind-altering substances to unlock hidden reserves of physical prowess and transcend mundane realities. Fast forward to today, where whispers of psychedelic-induced focus, motivation, and resilience echo through locker rooms and training grounds.
Yet, amidst the allure of these tantalizing anecdotes lies a murky landscape of uncertainty. Scientific exploration tiptoes cautiously, with studies in their infancy, probing the nexus of psychedelics and athletic performance.
In the face of this controversy, however, there are athletes who champion the potential benefits of psychedelics in sports. Here are five who have been outspoken about their experience with psychedelics:
The four-time NFL most valuable player recently credited ayahuasca for his two most recent MVPs. “I really feel like that experience paved the way for me to have the best season of my career [in 2020],” the highest-paid player in the NFL told the Aubrey Marcus podcast, after consuming ayahuasca in South America. The experience vastly improved his mental health since it allowed him to “unconditionally love” himself and become a better leader and teammate, he added.
Legendary boxer and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson opened up about his use of magic mushrooms and 5-MeO-DMT in 2021, telling the world that at 55 years old, he’s never felt better. He credits psychedelics with helping him lose 100 lbs, his return to the public eye, and his recent success in business. Tyson is also an advisor to NHLer Dan Carcillo’s company, Wesana Health, a company that looks to use psilocybin to treat brain injuries.
This hockey player and six-time Stanley Cup winner’s career was shaped by his use of psychedelics at a young age. He has spoken about a profound experience with magic mushrooms aged 19: “I had no idea the mind was that powerful. Obviously, it turned out to be an amazing experience, but more important was the question afterwards: wow, how can I use my mind to empower myself to be a better player, to be a better person, to have more energy, to create a better aura?”
In 1970, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher threw a no-hitter (in which not one of his throws was even touched by an opposing batter) while tripping on LSD. In MLB history, from 1876 to the present day, there have been just 317 no-hitters thrown over a couple hundred thousand games. “I was psyched. I had a feeling of euphoria. I was zeroed in on the [catcher’s] glove, but I didn’t hit the glove too much,” he told the New York Times years later.
An 11-time world surfing champion and hailed as the sport’s ultimate legend, he champions sobriety due to his upbringing with an alcoholic father. He advocates for “natural” highs and opposes recreational drug use in pro surfing, yet surprisingly endorses the legalization of all drugs. Slater’s transformative experience at Rythmia, a luxury ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica in 2017, left him awestruck, describing it as life-altering.
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